Burning of the Ships Day commemorates one of the worst events in the town of Essex’s history. In April, 1814 a company of British Royal Marines landed at the foot of Main Street and proceeded to burn 22 ships—all that were moored in the harbor and being built in town. The fateful night in history comes to life in Essex Village and at the Connecticut River Museum on Saturday, May 11.

The highlight of the celebration is the parade led by Essex’s own Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife and Drum Corps, which is joined by various regional fife and drum corps. The parade begins at Essex Town Hall at 2 p.m. and continues down Main Street to the Essex waterfront and the British landing site where the corps perform a short muster and commemoration ceremony at water’s edge. The lawn of the Connecticut River Museum will be abuzz from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with family activities as well as re-enactors from the Free Men of the Sea, who will present colonial weaponry demonstrations and opportunities to learn about life during the War of 1812. All lawn activities are free to the public.

For more information on these events or other museum programs, call 860-767-8269 or visit www.ctrivermuseum.org. The Connecticut River Museum is located on the Essex waterfront at 67 Main Street and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays until after Memorial Day. The museum offers exhibits and programs about the history and environment of the Connecticut River.